Time to Rock with Gene Simmons at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp

We have previously reported about other exciting Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camps held around the world. For 2014, it’s another stellar line-up including rock band KISS superstar Gene Simmons.

Gene Simmons is a both rock legend and media mogul and be the mentor of “The Gene Simmons Rock Camp™.” Simmons will also jam with campers with fellow rock star friends at Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp.

It’s a great opportunity to meet and play with a legend like Gene Simmons. He is just as big a celebrity today as he was back when playing bass guitar for rock band KISS.

KISS was formed in New York City way back in 1973. The iconic rock group is clearly one of the most successful rock bands of all time and was recently nominated this year for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. Gene Simmons was the band’s original bass player and co-founder, in addition to being credited with writing many of the band’s chart topping songs such as: “Nothing To Lose,” “We Are One,” Shout It Out Loud,” and “Domino.”

In addition to Simmons, the music camp will also feature Tommy Thayer (KISS), Sebastian Bach (Skid Row), Steve Stevens (Billy Idol), and Dave Ellefson (Megadeth).

The above music stars will help out camp musicians of all levels to form bands, learn or perfect their knowledge of an instrument, and even write and record a song. It’s an amazing musical experience that should not be missed.

The four-day Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp which runs between March 27-30, 2014 will climax with a live performance at the House of Blues at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Gene Simmons last took part in a fantasy camp back in October 2012, which was a huge success and very popular with the camp attendees.

When asked about his involvement next year, Gene Simmons replied, “Mentoring adult and young rockers at the fantasy camp has always been an amazingly rewarding experience for me. I enjoy teaching and handing over lessons I’ve learned from the business to musicians and upcoming talent.”

Gene owns his own record label – Simmons Records plus is recognized for his innovative marketing of his band and his TV series, “Gene Simmons Family Jewels.”

Space for the 2014 Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp is extremely limited, so act fast if you want to jam with Gene Simmons and the others.

If you are interested in attending the upcoming Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp – “The Gene Simmons Rock Camp,” please contact The Life of Luxury to learn more information.




Luxury VIP New Year’s Eve Packages at Surrender Nightclub and Andrea’s in Las Vegas

For those who want to bring in 2014 with a truly luxury VIP experience, then consider spending it in Las Vegas with several New Year’s Eve Packages.

The trendy and very popular Surrender Nightclub is located in the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas hotel. They are offering “The Ultimate VIP Package” for $150,000 for the upcoming New Year’s Eve celebration.

This ultimate New Year’s package starts with with a dinner tasting menu with an optional wine pairing at the adjoining Asian dining hot spot – Andrea’s restaurant. Price includes up to 10 guests.

You’ll enjoy premium seating inside the posh Surrender Nightclub, and indulge with a $100,000 engraved bottle of Dom Perignon Rose Gold, plus three magnums of Grey Goose and one magnum of Don Julio.

For music lovers, you are in luck. This package allows you to join electronic dance music superstar Diplo in the actual DJ booth during the raucous countdown to the New Year. Groove to the latest music as Diplo spins his hits and provides the evening’s high-energy entertainment.

There are other terrific VIP New Year’s packages available at Surrender Nightclub and Andrea’s in the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas hotel.

– Premium package priced at $6,400 – includes a prime nightclub table for 12 with two bottles of Dom Perignon and three bottles of ultra-premium liquor.
– Club’s dome table package priced at $3,200 – includes ten-person tables with one bottle of Veuve Clicquot and two bottles of ultra-premium liquor.
– For $2,400, receive eight-person tables with one bottle of Veuve Clicquot and one bottle of ultra-premium liquor.
– For $1,500, receive six-person tables with one bottle of ultra-premium liquor for $1,500.
– Lower bungalow package at $5,200 – for 20 guests includes two bottles of Veuve Clicquot and three bottles of ultra-premium liquor.
– Gaming pavilion tables priced at $2,400 – for eight guests, with one bottle of Veuve Clicquot, and one bottle of ultra-premium liquor.

The Andrea’s Executive Chef Joseph Elevado, has created a fabulous New Year’s Eve dinner tasting menu. The price is $250 and does not include either an 18% gratuity or sales tax.

The New Year’s Eve dinner tasting menu at Andrea’s restaurant includes: “Bacon Ikura” Wasabi Cream Cheese Foam and Furikake Chip; Champagne Marinated Tai Snapper, Oscetra Caviar, Nashi Pear Tsuma; Unagi plus Foie Gras Terrrine, Lotus Root Chips and Figs; Butter Poached Lobster,

Perigord Black Truffle, Crispy Ramen and Uni Butter; Wagyu Tamarind Short Ribs and Karashi Potato Gratin; Composed Nigiri Sushi: Toro, Bonito and King Crab; and a dessert sampling.

For wine lovers, an Andrea’s Sommelier wine pairing with each item is available for an additional cost of $75.

The patio at Andrea’s is also available to guests to bring in the New Year. Tables will include a bottle of ultra-premium liquor for either four guests ($1,200) or six guests ($1,600). All prices are inclusive of gratuity and tax.

So bring in 2014 in high style and be part of one of the hottest New year’s parties in Las Vegas at the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas hotel.

If you are interested in reserving a luxury VIP New Year’s Eve Package reservation at Surrender Nightclub and Andrea’s in Las Vegas, then please contact a travel concierge specialist at The Life of Luxury. We can help with all of your travel accommodations




W San Francisco Hotels Offers Cirque du Soleil Package for the Holidays

Now you can combine the beauty of San Francisco and and the exciting new Cirque du Soleil at the luxury W San Francisco Hotel.

Amaluna is the newest touring show from Cirque du Soleil and now you can view it firsthand. The spectacular Amaluna show offers audience goers on a journey to a mysterious island that’s governed by Goddesses and guided by the cycles of the moon.

The luxury W San Francisco hotel is offering an exclusive package that is ideal for a unique wintertime getaway or thoughtful holiday gift for that special person in your life.

Amaluna from Cirque du Soleil runs from November 15 to December 29 and performances will be held at AT&T Park, which is only one mile from the W San Francisco hotel),

The “Amaluna” Cirque du Soleil Package includes:
• Custom themed cocktails in W’s energetic Living Room Bar
• Complimentary parking
• Complimentary late checkout
• General admission tickets to Amaluna™
• A special Cirque du Soleil gift

The new W San Francisco, Cirque du Soleil Package is priced starting at only $449.

If you are interested in booking a reservation at the luxury W San Francisco hotel, then please contact The Life of Luxury.




Shania Twain

Shania Twain’s husband, Robert John “Mutt” Lange is not some recluse who never leaves his home. He travels the world with Shania. His work as a music producer takes him to the States and Europe.

Shania Twain is a popular Canadian country pop singer-songwriter. Shania’s hit 1995 album The Woman in Me brought her instant fame all across the world.

The 1997 album by Shania Twain titled “Come On Over” became the best-selling studio album of all time by a female. Quite an accomplishment.

“He on his own has never had this kind of success. And me on my own, I doubt very much I would have had this kind of success. First of all, would I even have found anyone who had so much faith in me? Part of why I think I flourished is because he believed so much in me. He loved my voice; he loved my songwriting. He was my biggest fan.“ says Shania Twain.

Her “The Woman In Me” album may be one of the most expensive country albums ever produced. When Mercury balked at the price Mutt agreed to pay a part of it out of his own pocket.

When asked when she feels most sexy, “I think it’s when i get out of the tub. your skin is fresh and you’ve stuck your hair up without even looking. that’s when you look your best.”

“I don’t want my body to be a distraction from my talent or my brain.”

Referring to Dolly Parton, “I was inspired by her, and inspired to be my own thing, she was so individual, so unique on her own, what I took from her was go out and be yourself, and be different, dare to be different.”




Encore Beach Club at Wynn Las Vegas – Still the Place To Be

One of the most popular activities to do while in Las Vegas, is to enjoy an adult pool party. Encore Beach Club at Wynn Las Vegas has been the top choice and new data proves its continued dominance as the #1 dayclub in Las Vegas

It was just announced that Encore Beach Club set season attendance records, making it hotter than the summer desert heat in Sin City. Encore Beach Club is a partnership between Wynn Las Vegas and Sean Christie’s Las Vegas Nightlife Group, which also operates Andrea’s restaurant and Surrender Nightclub in Encore at Wynn Las Vegas.

The popular dayclub hot spot is a lavish oasis for its patrons and provides lively high-end beach party atmosphere similar reminiscent of European hotspots with music provided by the world’s top electronic dance music DJs.

Encore Beach Club at Wynn Las Vegas features an impressive 55,000-square-foot venue offering three tiered pools that are surrounded by 40-foot palm trees, luxurious daybeds, in addition to oversized lily pads where guests can lounge in shallow water to cool off and beat the heat.

For those lookign for a more private setting, Encore Beach Club delivers with ultra VIP enclaves that provide a more private experienc. You can get views of both the pool party action and world famous The Strip. These 26 luxury cabanas are equipped with refrigerators and flat screen televisions.

Encore also offers 8 exclusive bungalows that feature private dipping pools and showers, plush furnishings and a temperature-controlled climate system.

Wanting to catch a glimpse of a popular celebrity, Encore is the place ot be. It’s been popular celebrity hotspot and you can see Hollywood A-listers, professional athletes, supermodels, plus the biggest names in music and pop culture.

What keeps Encore on top and draws in the thousands of guests is the music. Encore Beach Club creates a contagious party vibe with a top notch lineup of Wynn Las Vegas superstar DJs.

For those who can’t avoid th eallure of gambling can enjoy the gaming pavilion where guests can summon their lady luck and play both blackjack or craps.

With Labor Day Weekend fast approaching as summer begins its wind down, you can catch Fedde Le Grand (8/30), Steve Angello (8/31), Afrojack (9/1) and David Guetta (9/2) at Encore Beach Club.

To make your Las Vegas trip reservation and expereince Encore Beach Club at Wynn Las Vegas yourself, please contact The Life of Luxury.




New Movie Trailer Premiere – “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”

An exclusive new trailer of “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” was just shown today at the San Diego Comic Con. Yahoo! Movies was the first to broadcast the movie trailer on the Internet.

The new Hunger Games movie is scheduled to open in theaters around the world on November 22, 2013. The new movie includes Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Lenny Kravitz, Jena Malone, Jeffrey Wright, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Donald Sutherland, Woody Harrelson and director Francis Lawrence.

The movie picks up with Katniss Everdeen (played by Jennifer Lawrence) returning back home after winning the exciting 74th Annual Hunger Games, along with and fellow tribute Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson).

But while taking part in a “Victor’s Tour” of the various districts, Katniss Everdeen has a strange feeling that a rebellion may be in the planning stages.

Please enjoy watching the new “The Hunger Games:Catching Fire”, exclusive new movie trailer.

“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” is much anticipated sequel to the 2012 blockbuster movie.  The first movie was based on The Hunger Games 2008 science fiction novel that was written by American writer Suzanne Collins.

Last year, we reported that Jennifer Lawrence was named the winner of AskMen’s “Top 99 Most Desirable Women” list for 2013. In addition, Lawrence was named “the most talented young actress in America.” by by Rolling Stone.




2013 Primetime Emmy Awards Nominations Are Announced

This morning, the nominations for the 2013 Emmy Awards show was announced. Some surprises and some were expected but the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards will be another highlight of this year’s many award shows.

American Horror Story: Aslyum leads the overall list this year with 17 total nominations. Game of Thrones came in next with 16 nominations. Behind the Candelabra and Saturday Night Live both earned 15 nominations.

It’s significant that broadcast and cable networks can’t claim that they are king of their domain. There’s a new kid on the block and the name is “Netflix.” “House of Cards” was nominated nine times.

Of the the 17 nominations that American Horror Story: Aslyum received, the two most notable ones were for best miniseries and Jessica Lange as best actress.

You can watch the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 22 on CBS.  Neil Patrick Harris will once again be the red carpet event show’s host.

If you are interested in being part of this year’s Emmy Awards, please contact The Life of Luxury and discuss various red carpet VIP Event options.

Take a look at this years Emmy Awards nominations. What do you think about who’s listed and who’s not?

Outstanding Drama Series
Breaking Bad
Downton Abbey
Game of Thrones
Homeland
House of Cards
Mad Men

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Hugh Bonneville, Downton Abbey
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Jeff Daniels, The Newsroom
Jon Hamm, Mad Men
Damien Lewis, Homeland
Kevin Spacey, House of Cards

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Connie Britton, Nashville
Claire Danes, Homeland
Michelle Dockery, Downton Abbey
Vera Farmiga, Bates Motel
Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men
Kerry Washington, Scandal
Robin Wright, House of Cards

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Bobby Cannavale, Boardwalk Empire
Jonathan Banks, Breaking Bad
Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad
Jim Carter, Downton Abbey
Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones
Mandy Patinkin, Homeland

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Anna Gunn, Breaking Bad
Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey
Emilia Clarke, Game of Thrones
Christine Baranski, The Good Wife
Morena Baccarin, Homeland
Christina Hendricks, Mad Men

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama
Nathan Lane, The Good Wife
Michael J. Fox, The Good Wife
Rupert Friend, Homeland
Robert Morse, Mad Men
Harry Hamlin, Mad Men
Dan Bucatinsky, Scandal

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama
Margo Martindale, The Americans
Diana Rigg, Game of Thrones
Carrie Preston, The Good Wife
Linda Cardellini, Mad Men
Jane Fonda, The Newsroom
Joan Cusack, Shameless

Outstanding Comedy Series
30 Rock
The Big Bang Theory
Girls
Louie
Modern Family
Veep

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Jason Bateman, Arrested Development
Louis C.K., Louie
Don Cheadle, House of Lies
Matt LeBlanc, Episodes
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy
Laura Dern, Enlightened
Lena Dunham, Girls
Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy
Ty Burrell, Modern Family
Adam Driver, Girls
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Modern Family
Bill Hader, Saturday Night Live
Tony Hale, Veep
Ed O’Neill, Modern Family

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy
Mayim Bialik, The Big Bang Theory
Julie Bowen, Modern Family
Anna Chlumsky, Veep
Jane Krakowski, 30 Rock
Jane Lynch, Glee
Merritt Wever, Nurse Jackie

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy
Bobby Cannavale, Nurse Jackie
Louis C.K., Saturday Night Live
Will Forte, 30 Rock
Nathan Lane, Modern Family
Bob Newhart, The Big Bang Theory
Justin Timberlake, Saturday Night Live

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy
Dot-Marie Jones, Glee
Melissa Leo, Louie
Melissa McCarthy, Saturday Night Live
Molly Shannon, Enlightened
Elaine Stritch, 30 Rock
Kristen Wiig, Saturday Night Live

Outstanding Reality Competition Program
The Amazing Race
Dancing With the Stars
Project Runway
So You Think You Can Dance
Top Chef
The Voice

Outstanding Reality Host
Tom Bergeron, Dancing With the Stars
Anthony Bourdain, The Taste
Cat Deely, So You Think You Can Dance
Hedi Klum and Tim Gunn, Project Runway
Ryan Seacrest, American Idol
Betty White, Betty White’s Off Their Rockers

Outstanding Variety Series
The Colbert Report
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
Late Night With Jimmy Fallon
Real Time With Bill Maher
Saturday Night Live

Outstanding Miniseries or Movie
American Horror Story: Asylum
Behind the Candelabra
The Bible
Phil Spector
Political Animals
Top of the Lake

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie
Benedict Cumberbatch, Parade’s End
Matt Damon, Behind the Candelabra
Michael Douglas, Behind the Candelabra
Toby Jones, The Girl
Al Pacino, Phil Spector

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
Jessica Lange, American Horror Story: Asylum
Laura Linney, The Big C: Hereafter
Elisabeth Moss, Top of the Lake
Helen Mirren, Phil Spector
Sigourney Weaver, Political Animals

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie
Scott Bakula, Behind the Candelabra
James Cromwell, American Horror Story: Asylum
John Benjamin Hickey, The Big C: Hereafter
Peter Mullan, Top of the Lake
Zachary Quinto, American Horror Story: Asylum

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
Ellen Burstyn, Political Animals
Sarah Paulson, American Horror Story: Asylum
Charlotte Rampling, Restless
Imelda Staunton, The Girl
Alfre Woodard, Steel Magnolias




“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” Preview Movie Video

Orlando Bloom - Legolas - The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug
Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures

The highly anticipated sequel to Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is scheduled to be released in movie theaters on December 13, 2013 from Warner Bros. Pictures.

Today, the first of several movie trailer was released. It’s our first chance to view what the next chapter – “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” – has in store for us.

Smaug is the fire-breathing dragon and the next villain we will love to hate. Here’s a peek at Smaug in the just released, movie trailer below.

You will also notice a couple of very popular actors who will play roles in “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.” The first is hunky Orlando Bloom who is back after a hugely successful run in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy series. Bloom once again plays the arrow-shooting elf Legolas.

Evangeline Lilly, from the hit ABC show “Lost” will also star. Lilly will play the role of an Elven warrior woman named Tauriel.

Along with some of the best CGI (computer generated imagery) seen anywhere. “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” also showcases the endless beauty of New Zealand, where many scenes were filmed.

For those Peter Jackson fans who want to follow in the footsteps of “The Hobbit” and visit New Zealand or maybe attend the movie premier, please contact The Life of Luxury using the below form:




Enjoy a Spectacular Riverdance Weekend in Ireland

2013 Riverdance - The Gathering
Courtesy: Riverdance

Riverdance is as popular as ever and its continued popularity just proves it remains a worldwide phenomenon with millions of fans.

As a wonderful celebration of Irish music, song and dance, Riverdance draws on Irish traditions and combines the richness of the music with the magic and sensuality of the dance.

Now is your chance to visit Ireland between July 20-21, 2013 and immerse yourself in an incredible Riverdance experience. Enjoy this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of one of Ireland’s most cherished traditions!

Ticket packages include premium tickets to see Riverdance: On Screen, a live gathering of Riverdance bands past and present, but for those with a basic competency in Irish dancing, a one-off opportunity to participate in an attempt to break the current record for the longest Riverdance line!

Each Riverdance – The Gathering vacation package above includes a seat to the following highlight events and are included in your price:
1. Seated tickets for Riverdance: On Screen at Merrion Square – July 20th
2. Reserved priority viewing area for Riverdance – The Record Breaking Attempt – July 21st. Retail Value: $25 per person.
3. Riverdance at the Gaiety special Gathering performances July 20 or 21st (matinee and evening performances). Retail Value: $70 per person. Brendan Vacations has several wonderful travel packages available:

——————————————————-

“Dance & Drive” Vacation Package

Delight in the ultimate Irish experience! Start in Dublin, Ireland’s bustling capital city and enjoy sightseeing and Riverdance festivities before setting off to the quaint countryside and ending in Shannon!
6-night Self-Drive Vacation from $902* per person.

Your travel value includes:
– Private airport arrival transfer
– Your choice of Dublin City Bike or Walking Tour
– Riverdance Experience in Dublin (Complete details online here)
– 2-nights at a 4-star Downtown Hotel in Dublin (several options)
– 5-day Economy Hertz Rental Car with select inclusions
– 1-night stay in Kilkenny or Waterford at a Bed and Breakfast “Gem” of your choice with breakfast
– 2-nights in Killarney at the 4-star Arbutus or The Malton hotel
– 1-night in Shannon at the Bed and Breakfast “Gem” of your choice with breakfast
– All accommodation taxes

——————————————————-

Private Chauffeur Experience: Ireland & Riverdance

Dreaming of Ireland? There is no better way to experience the Emerald Isle’s wondrous traditions than with a premium, private chauffeured vacation. Begin in Dublin, enjoy Riverdance and set off on a journey that will reveal Ireland’s most breathtaking sights and experiences. Best of all, it’s at your pace, with your driver and private car.
7-nights from $4,733** per person, traveling July 19-26, 2013.

Your travel value includes:
– Luxury private car and chauffeur throughout
– Private airport arrival greeting/departure transfers by your chauffeur
– Riverdance Experience in Dublin (Complete details online here)
– 3-nights at the 5-star Merrrion Hotel with daily breakfast in Dublin
– 1-night at the 5-star Waterford Castle with breakfast in Glendalough
– 2-nights at the 5-star Aghadoe Heights Hotel with breakfast in Lakeside
– Private excursions to Bru na Boinne with Newgrange or Knowth to visit the Neolithic tombs; Powerscourt House and Gardens; Blarney Castle; Ring of Kerry; the Foynes Flying Boat Museum and a tasting of traditional “Irish Coffee”
– 1-night at the majestic 5-star Dromoland Castle with breakfast
– All accommodation taxes

——————————————————-

If you are interested in creating your own Irish travel experience, the contact us to add the 2013 Riverdance – The Gathering experience for only $69 per person to any Customized Vacation or either our Dublin & Killarney, or Dublin & Belfast Independent Vacation itineraries – a great value!

To learn more about the available Riverdance – The Gathering vacation package or to book your reservation, please contact us using the below form:




2013 Billboard Music Awards

2013 Billboard Music Awards

The 2013 Billboard Music Awards show is scheduled for Sunday May 19, and held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The show will also air on ABC and hosted by “30 Rock Star” Tracy Morgan.

There is a huge lineup of the most popular performers in today’s music industry will perform live during the show. Initially announced were Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber, Miguel and Prince, who will be given the Billboard Icon Award.

Additional performers were just announced including: Pitbull, Selena Gomez, Christina Aguilera, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, The Band Perry, plus country singer Kacey Musgraves.

Taylor Swift, plus the bands Fun and Maroon 5 are all tied for the most award nominations with 11 each. Rihanna is nominated in 10 categories, including Top Artist and will up against Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, and One Direction. Singer Carly Rae Jepsen is a finalist in nine different categories.

The Billboard Music Awards finalists are determined by year-end chart performance according to Nielsen data for sales, number of downloads and total airplay in the United States. Show awards were given for the top album/artist/single in various music genres.

This year’s Billboard Music Awards will introduce the new Milestone Award. Online voting has narrowed the filed down to 3 finalists – Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars. All were recognized for their incredible achievements on the Billboard charts in the past year. The award will be presented by Chevrolet.

For years, the Billboard Music Awards show was held annually in December but stopped in 2007. The popular show returned in May of 2011 and is as popular as ever.

To learn more about attending this year’s 2013 Billboard Music Awards, please contact us using the below form:




As Tax Season Winds Down – Discover the Top Celebrity Tax Evaders

irs_audit

For most of us, the idea of having IRS troubles brings cold sweats and sleepless nights. When we hear celebrities are having tax issues, we stretch our ears, pop popcorn, grab a bottle of something fun and bubbly and say “oooh, what did they do?”

Probably, we enjoy the gossip because we don’t really feel sorry for them.

After all, most celebrities have or will have enough money coming in to eventually pay the fine. Yet some do time. Here’s a list of famous celebrity tangled finances, past and present, as reported by newsworthy sources. Grab that snack and drink.

Kevin Federline – Britney Spears’ baby daddy is apparently in some hot water with the IRS, and it appears that the bill came due on Valentine’s Day. On February 19th, the websitePerezhilton.com<http://perezhilton.com/2013-02-19-kevin-federline-tax-lien#.UUEDABw3uSo> reported that Kevin Federline apparently owes the IRS a whopping $57,000.00 in tax payments for the years 2009 and 2010. Yahoo Entertainment<http://nz.entertainment.yahoo.com/celebrity/news/article/-/16165613/kevin-federline-issued-57-000-tax-bill/> wrote, “A federal tax lien was field against ‘Scream & Shout’ singer’s second husband Kevin Federline on February 14th, claiming he owes $30,517.16 for
outstanding income tax bills from 2009 and $27,098.23 from 2010.” The article further extracts from TMZ.com <http://tmz.com/>, “According to gossip website TMZ.com <http://tmz.com/>, the former back-up dancer’s income came from a small part in straight to DVD movie ‘American Pie: The Book of Love’ and from his stint on the reality series ‘Celebrity Fit Club’ in 2010, as well as his hefty spousal support payments.”

Martha Stewart – Who could forget the white-gloved one behind bars, cutting snowflake shapes out of white prison paper to bedazzle her cell? According to People.com <http://people.com/>, the home and garden guru served five months in prison and five months of home confinement in 2004. The People.com article reads<http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,664728,00.html>, “Stewart, 62, was convicted on March 5 of conspiring with her Merrill Lynch stockbroker, Peter Bacanovic, to deceive authorities probing her December 2001 sale of ImClone Systems stock. Jurors said she lied during two interviews with investigators. Bacanovic also was sentenced to five months in prison and two years’ probation and was fined $4,000. Stewart, wearing a black pantsuit and joined by her daughter Alexis, shed no tears during Friday’s highly emotional hearing, though her voice quivered at times as she spoke to Judge Cedarbaum.” According to the website Legalzoom.com<http://www.legalzoom.com/legal-headlines/celebrity-lawsuits/10-celebrities-convicted-tax>, Stewart was forced to pay $220,000 in back taxes and penalties to the State of New York, “learning the hard way that East Hampton mansions also generate taxes. Her claim that she hardly spent time there didn’t reduce her burden, or appease the state of New York,” the site states.

Sammy Davis Jr. – It was not a sweet surprise for “The Candy Man” when he died in 1990 leaving behind a hefty $5.2 million tax bill. In October 1991, People.com<http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20111004,00.html> writer John Tayman wrote about the sale of nearly everything Davis Jr. owned to cover this tax bill. The writer states, “During 60 years as an entertainer, he filled nightclubs, concert halls and movie houses. But last Sunday, Sammy Davis Jr., who died a year and a half ago of throat cancer, pulled what may be his final SRO crowd. Some 1,300 people including celebrities, collectors and the merely curious—shouldered into a prestigious Hollywood auction house for the sale of Davis’s memorabilia. Included in the eclectic collection of goods: inscribed photos of Davis pals Elvis Presley (offered at $3,750) and Marilyn Monroe ($5,500); an eight-foot-tall fiberglass statue of a character from The Planet of the Apes ($2,500); and approximately 350 of Davis’s musical arrangements ($10,000). When the gavel came down for the last time, $440,000 worth of trinkets and memories had been sold, every dollar’s worth carefully logged by an agent from the Internal Revenue Service who sat impassively in the front row.”

Wesley Snipes – According to Forbes.com <http://forbes.com/>, American film actor and martial artist, Mr. Snipes is doing time, having recently celebrated his 50th birthday in federal prison. Contributor and attorney Robert W. Wood writes in his Forbes article on Snipes, “In 2008, Snipes was convicted of three misdemeanor counts<http://www.forbes.com/sites/williampbarrett/2011/03/02/jailed-wesley-snipes-appeals-his-tax-convictions-to-the-supremes/> of failing to file tax returns. He reported to prison on December 9, 2010. He was initially sentenced to McKean Federal Correctional Institution<http://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/mck/index.jsp>, a medium-security prison in northwest Pennsylvania. He is now at the adjacent prison camp, a minimum security Club Fed<http://movies.yahoo.com/blogs/movie-talk/wesley-snipes-turns-50-club-fed-180646061.html>, where he is inmate number 43355-018. According to E! Online<http://www.eonline.com/news/215254/five-things-to-know-about-wesley-snipes-prison-stint>, this federal prison camp houses roughly 290 white-collar inmates. Remember Snipes in “White Men Can’t Jump<http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/white-men-can-t-jump/>“? Perhaps in his new digs Snipes should start shooting a sequel: “White-Collar Men Can’t Jump.” In his immensely successful screen life, Snipes normally cares about film release dates. But his next release date is more important: He’s scheduled for a July 19, 2013 release. That means less than a year to go.”

Stephen Baldwin – On the Piers Morgan show, actor Alec Baldwin commented on his brother Stephen Baldwin’s arrest that it was “all prearranged with the DA for him to go in.” Still, it can’t be fun to be handcuffed for failing to pay your bills to the IRS.  Just this past December, CNN reported that Stephen Baldwin had been taken into custody for his problems with the IRS. “Actor Stephen Baldwin was arrested Thursday on a charge of failing to file New York state personal income tax returns for three years, according to a statement released by the Rockland County district attorney’s office. According to the statement, Baldwin’s alleged tax liability for failure to file in 2008, 2009 and 2010 is more than $350,000, including penalties and interest. The arrest was a result of an investigation conducted by the Rockland County Special Investigations Unit and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, the statement said,” the article reads.  Baldwin was arrested but did not serve jail time.

Leona Helmsle – Who can forget that the Queen of Mean spent 16 years in prison over her IRS debacle? In April 2012, New York magazine published an article on famous scandals, noting that “her trial in 1989 for tax evasion was a delicious coda to the decade, offering up the pleasure of watching the Queen of Mean, outrageous, nasty, and entitled, be forced to swap her 10,000-square-foot Park Lane penthouse for a prison cell.” The article further states “Charged with 235 counts of tax evasion, [her husband] Harry, a frail 80-year-old, was found unfit to stand trial, so Leona was left to face her employees’ revenge. The high point: housekeeper Elizabeth Baum’s recounting that Leona told her ‘We don’t pay taxes, only little people pay taxes.’ Fined $7.1 million, Leona served eighteen months in prison and was freed in 1994 (her husband died in 1997).”

Marc Anthony– The ‘I Need to Know’ singer and songwriter was not in tune with the IRS and was reported as having owed more than $3 million in back taxes in 2010. The New York Daily News<http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/lo-hubby-marc-anthony-tune-irs-owes-3-million-article-1.471213> article of December 31, 2010 states “Crooner Marc Anthony is running a more than $3 million IRS tab. Long Island property he owns has been hit with two tax liens worth $3.4 million, documents posted on RadarOnline show.” Examiner.com<http://www.examiner.com/list/celebrity-tax-evaders/marc-anthony>reported that the singer cited bad management as the reason for his debts adding up.

Lionel Richie – “Hello, is it Me You’re Looking For?” The answer to the IRS was “Yes” when Richie was questioned about his tax bill in 2012. According to Todayentertainment.com<http://todayentertainment.today.com/_news/2012/04/13/11184169-irs-lionel-richie-owes-11-million-in-unpaid-taxes?lite>, the music legend owes a whopping $1.1 million in unpaid taxes from 2010. The April 2012 article states, “In addition, Richie has been slapped with a lien, meaning the federal government has the right to seize his assets if he does not pay up in a timely manner.  Fortunately, with new projects in the works it seems the “All Night Long” crooner should be able to scrounge up the cash to put this financial matter behind him.”

By Vladimir Nardin, Opinion-Corp.com <http://opinion-corp.com>